Agavins, which are found in the agave plant used to make the Mexican spirit have been shown to lower blood sugar levels

By Guy Birchall

2nd June 2017, 8:57 pm

Updated: 3rd June 2017, 12:15 am

A KEY ingredient in tequila cold help shift the pounds and fight diabetes, new research suggests.

Boffins in the States have found a link between weight loss and something found in the agave plant that is used to make the Mexican spirit.

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A key ingredient in tequila could help fight diabetes and and aid weight loss

Naturally occurring sugars in the plant, known as agavins, could also help reduce blood sugar levels.

This means it could be used to create a new sweetener which possible could benefit obese people and type 2 diabetes sufferers.

Agavins also help make people fell fuller which could make them eat less.

They are non-digestible which means they act as a dietary fibre and won't raise your blood sugar, according to new research presented to the American Chemical Society in Dallas, Texas.

Dr Mercedes G. López, who carried out the research, said: "We believe that agavins have a great potential as light sweeteners since they are sugars, highly soluble, have a low glycemic index, and a neutral taste, but most important, they are not metabolised by humans.

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